015478   Murali Baskaran R K;Suresh K (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Agricultural College and Research Insitut, Tamil Nadu agricultural Univ, Madurai-625 104) : Influence of semi-synthetic diets and non-living substrata on fecundity of black beetle Chilocorus nigrita (Fabricius) (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae). J ent Res 2007, 31(3), 243-6.

The evaluation of three honey based semi-synthetic adult diets along with scale insects (Hemiberlesia lataniae) on fecundity of Chilocorus nigrita (Fabricius) indicated that adults fed with the mixture of honey 50% + multivitamin 10% + tocopheryl acetate 0.5% had increased the oviposition period from 27 to 33 days and enhanced the egg production by 27.8 per cent (1562.7 eggs/10 females) over the adult fed on scale insects with honey 50 per cent, recording a total of 1222.3 eggs/10 females during 27 days of oviposition. Among various non-living materials used as substrate for oviposition of C. nigrita, the absorbent cotton measuring 4x4 cm was identified as best substrate, receiving 31.7 per cent of eggs (441.9 eggs) whereas it was 39.2 per cent (546.7 eggs) on pumpkin.

2 illus, 15 ref

015477   Lee S A;Lee S L G;Moon H S;Lavulo L O;Cho K O;Hyun C (Section of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medici, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon,200 701 Korea, Email: hyun5188@kangwon.ac.kr) : Isolation, characterization and genetic analysis of canine GATA4 gene in a famil of doberman pinschers with an atrial septal defect. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 241-7.

GATA4 is expressed early in the developing heart where it plays a key role in regulating the expression of genes encoding myocardial contractile proteins. Gene mutations in the human GATA4 have been implicated in various congenital heart defects (CHD), including atrial septal defect (ASD). Although ASD is the third most common CHD in humans, it is generally rare in dogs and cats. There is also no obvious predilection for ASD in dogs and cats, based on sex or breed. However, among dogs, the incidence rate of ASD is relatively high in Samoyeds and Doberman Pinschers, where its inheritance and genetic aetiology are not well understood. In this study, we identified and investigated the genetic aetiology of an ASD affected family in a pure breed dog population. Although the GATA4 gene was screened, we did not find any mutations that would result in the alteration of the coding sequence and hence, the predicted GATA4 structure and function. Although the aetiology of ASD is multifactorial, our findings indicate that GATA4 may not be responsible for the ASD in the dogs used in this study. However, this does not eliminate GATA4 as a candidate for ASD in other dog breeds.

5 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

015476   Lee S A;Lee S G;Cho K O;Hyun C (Section of Internal medicine, School of veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200 701, Korea, Email: hyun5188@kangwon.ac.kr) : Isolation, characterization and molecular screening of canine SLC26A2 (sulphate transpoter) in german shepherd dogs with hip dysplasia. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 285-8.

3 illus, 18 ref

015475   Lee S A;Fillipich L J;Hyun C (School of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200 701, South Korea) : Prevalence of the exon 2 deletion of the COMMD1 gene in australian bedlington terriers. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 289-91.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

015474   Lakkappan V J;Ingalhalli S S;Hinchigeri S B; Savanurmath C J (Biochemistry Dep, Karnatak Univ, Dharwad-580 003) : Oral administration of red fluorescent proteins in the silkworm Bombyx mori aganist nuclearpolyhedrosis virus. J ent Res 2007, 31(3), 251-4.

Red fluorescent protein (RFP) was administered orally along with the three different viruses, separately. There was significant decrease in incidence of nuclearpolyhedrosis. Some antiviral activity was also observed against densonucleosis and the infectious flacherie.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

015473   Hussain K;Alumed N;Wani K P (Division of Olericulture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Techonology of Ka, Shalilmar, Sringar -191 121) : Ginger and its Micropropagation. Int J Trop Agric 2007, 25(4), 1145-50.

Ginger is propagated vegetatively as flowering occurs rarely in some pockets but there is no seed set which has hampered its production. Seedlings could begot by the use of constellation of tissue culture manipulation by clonal propagation of shoot tip, shoot bud etc, organogenesis, somatic embiyogenesis and from seeds produced with help of in vitro pollination and fruit development. These seedlings could be used as planting material specially for raising rhizomes for initial seed stock collection for commercial planting of novel superior genotypes. The chemical constituents of rhizomes of tissue culture grown plants have been found to be identical to normally grown rhizomes.

ref

015472   He L N;Xiong D H;Liu Y J;Zhang F;Recker R R; Deng H W (The key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry o, , Xi an 710049, China, Email: dengh@umke) : Association study of the oestrogen signalling pathway genes in relation to age at natural menopasue. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 269-76.

Genetic factors playa significant role in influencing the variation of age at natural menopause (AANM). Estrogen receptor (ESR2), is an important factor in the mechanism of action of estrogen, while the aromatase gene (CYP 19) and the 17 -alphaªhydroxylase gene (CYP 17) are involved in the biosynthesis of estrogen. Tested whether polymorphisms of ESR2, CYP 19 and CYP17 genes are associated with AANM in Caucasian females. A total of 52 SNPs (17 for ESR2, 28 for CYP19, and 7 for CYP 17) were successfully genotyped for 229 Caucasian women having experienced natural menopause. Comprehensive statistical analyses focusing on the association of these genes with AANM were conducted. The effects of age, height and age at menarche on AANM were adjusted when conducting association analyses. We found that six SNPs (2, 6-7, 9, 13 and 16) within ESR2 were not significantly associated with AANM after Bonferroni correction. However, two blocks of ESR2 were associated with AANM. For CYP19, two SNPs (24 and 27) were nominally associated with AANM. No significant association was observed between CYP17 and AANM. Our results suggest that genetic variation in the ESR2 and CYP19 genes may influence the variation in AANM in Caucasian women.

2 illus, 8 tables, 51 ref

015471   Gupta V;Kak A (Germplasm Conservation Divi, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi) : Genetic diversity analaysis in Mucuna pruries germplasm using SDS-poly-acrylamide gel eletrophoresis (PAGE). Int J Pl Sci 2007, 2(1), 124-7.

Seed protein analysis in 20 accessions Mucuna pruriens germplasm was done using SDS PAGE. A total of eleven bands were observed with apparent molecular weight range of 15KDa -200KDa could be distinguished. At 65% similarities co- efficient, only one accession viz. IC127363 was distinct.

2 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

015470   Feinendegen L R;Paretzke H;Neumann R D (Nuclear Medicine Dep, heinrich-Heine Univ, Dusseldorf, Germany) : Damage propagation in complex biological systems following exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation. Asian J expl Sci 2008, 22(2), 7-24.

Defined risk of DNA damage production by the energy deposition events. A second risk describes the probability of damage propagation from the primary site at the basic level of molecular organization to higher levels of the organism. This second risk depends on both quality and quantity of perturbations received at the basic level, and on the resistance by homeostatic controls against transfer of such damage. The homeostatic signaling that controls the second risk at different levels does not respond to small perturbations in a linear fashion. Moreover, protective responses under homeostatic control at the various levels of biological organization may become up-regulated temporarily and specifically by low level perturbations. These adaptive responses reflect the tolerance of homeostatic control, and, thus, also depend on "dose". The low-dose induced temporary up-regulations of protection may operate also against non-radiogenic perturbations; for instance against those from metabolic products, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS). At single cell exposures below ≡ 0.1 Gy, adaptive protections against propagation of non-radiogenic damage often tend to outweigh permanent manifestations of radiogenic damage. The quality and extent of homeostatic responses are under genetic control. Thus, complex systems responses encompass both damage and prevention of further damage and its propagation to higher levels; they are expected to vary among individuals. The balance between health risk and benefit of low-level radiation exposure of any given individual may become predictable by gene-expression profiles in un-irradiated and irradiated tissue cells of this individual at some future time.

9 illus, 56 ref

015469   Estari M;Krishna Reddy M (Reproductive Physiology Unit, Zool Dep, Kakatiya University, Warangal-506 009) : Effect of CD4 cell count on haemolytic abnormalities in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). J Ecobiol 2007, 21(1), 71-4.

To study the effect of CD4 cell count on various haemolytic abnormalities in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), data from medical records of 32 HIV-infected patients during the period of August 2002 to Oct. 2004 in 7 medical clinics of north Andhra Pradesh Districts was analyzed. Out of 362 HIV-infected patients 63% had anaemia, 17% thrombocytopenia, 7% thrombosis, 2% neutropenia and 1 % other haemolytic abnormalitic diseases. The results indicate that anaemia is very common in patients with HIV-infection. Low CD4 cell count is associated with a variety of conditions including haemolytic disorders. These data suggest that platelets count of less than 1, 00, 000 cells/cu.mm. in thrombocytopenia patients infected with HIV. In some of these conditions CD4 cell count is very low, often falls below 200 cells/cu.mm.. Depletion of CD4 cell count in any person infected with HIV was associated with increased risk for development of life-threatening diseases which leads to death.

1 illus, 16 ref

015468   Erceg P;Milosevic D P;Despotovic N;Davidovic M (Geriatic Clinic, KBC Zvezdara, , 11050 Beograd, Presevska 31, Serbia, Email: davidovi@EUnet.yu) : Chromosomal changes in ageing. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 277-8.

^ssc1 illus, 20 ref

015467   Chatterjee R N;Chatterjee P;Pal A;Pal Bhadra M (Zool Dep, Univ of Calcutta, 35 B.C. Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: rabichaterjee@rediffmail.com) : Drosophila simulans lethal hybrid rescue mutation (Khr) rescues inviable hybrids by restoring X chromosomal dosage compensation and causes fluctuating asymmetry of development. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 203-15.

The Drosophila simulans Lhr rescues lethal hybrids from the cross of D. melanogaster and D. simulans. Phenotypes of Lhr dependent rescue hybrids and demonstrate the effects of Lhr on functional morphology of the salivary chromosomes in the hybrids are described. Results reveal that the phenotypes of the 'Lhr dependent rescued' hybrids were largely dependent on the genetic background and the dominance in species and hybrids, and not on Lhr. Cytological examination reveal that while the salivary chromosome of 'larval lethal' male carrying melanogaster X chromosome was unusually thin and contracted, in 'rescued' hybrid males (C_melX_melY_sim; A_mel A_sim) the X chromosome showed typical pale staining, enlarged diameter and incorporated higher rate of ³H-uridine in presence of one dose Lhr in the genome. In hybrid males carrying simulans X chromosome (C_melX_sim Y_mel; A_melA_sim), enlarged width of the polytene X chromosome was noted in most of the nuclei, in Lhr background, and transcribed at higher rate than that of the single X chromosome of male. In hybrid females (both viable, e.g., C_mel X_mel X_sim; A_mel A_sim and rescued, e.g., C_mel X_mel X_mel; A_mel A_sim), the functional morphology of the X chromosomes were comparable to that of diploid autosomes in presence of one dose of Lhr. In hybrid metafemales, (C_melX_melX_melX_sim; A_melA_sim), two dose of melanogaster X chromosomes and one dose of simulans X chromosome were transcribed almost at 'female' rate in hybrid genetic background in presence of one dose of Lhr. In rescued hybrid males, the melanogaster-derived X chromosome appeared to complete its replication faster than autosomes. These results together have been interpreted to have suggested that Lhr suppresses the lethality of hybrids by regulating functional activities of the X chromosome(s) for dosage compensation.

8 illus, 6 tables, 47 ref

015466   Chassaing N;Touitou I;Cattan D;Calvas P (CHU Toulouse, Hopital Purpan, Service de Genetique Medicale, , Toulouse, F 31400, France) : ABCC6 is unlikely to be a modifier gene for familial mediterranean fever severity. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 293-5.

^ssc15 ref

015465   Cetin M;Cimen M;Dilmac M;Ozgoz E;Karaalp M (Agricultural Engineering Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Adnan Menderes Univ, Aydin, Turkey, Email: mustfacetin@mail.gop.edu.tr) : Biochemical parameters of milk of sheep milked by machine during early lactation period. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(3), 2135-40.

Effect of weeks on milk biochemical parameters such as fat^and protein of machine milked non-dairy sheep and to show the curves of these biochemical parameters during early lactation weeks. In the study, 14 Karayaka sheep with single lamb were used. The experiment began at 4 d of lamb age and lasted after 7 weeks. Sheep were fed a diet containing 135.1 g crude protein and 9.7 M.1 metabolisable energy (ME)/kg. The weekly means of protein were similar (except first week) to those shown for the overall early lactation. The fat of milk was secreted at its highest rate at the start of lactation and then declined until 3rd week when it started to gradually increase again until the end of the study. The fat and protein reached their lowest points at week 3, which coincided with maximum milk yield. The lactation curves of non dairy' sheep milked by machine of this study were similar with reported results for dairy and non-dairy ewes.

3 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

015464   Biswas S R (Biol Dep, Lakehead Univ, Thunder Bay, P7B5E1 Ontario, Canada, Email: shekhar forest@gmail.com) : Anthropogenic influences on the tropical evergreen Dipterocarp forests of Bangladesh: a phytosociological perspective. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2007, 33(1), 41-52.

Like other developing countries, the tropical evergreen forests of Bangladesh are experiencing increasing human pressure. A study has been conducted over the last eleven years (1995-2005) to identify the types and magnitudes of anthropogenic disturbances and its impact on natural forests. 'Indirect observation method' was used for identification of the modality and magnitude of anthropogenic disturbances. Impact on the forest composition were studied through line transects and list quadrats method in a combination of random and purposive sampling. Along with indirect observation, the results obtained from transect and quadrats were compared with the undisturbed forest. Four broad categories of anthropogenic disturbances viz. illicit felling of trees for timber, pole and fuel wood, clearing of forest areas for habitation, conversion of forest land to for agriculture and grazing of cattle. The magnitudes of disturbances are also increasing with time. Based on the existing data, the future disturbance regimes have been forecasted. Changes in the forest composition were found conspicuous in terms of stratification, species composition, tree density, basal area, diversity and dominance. Management system with particular emphasis on participatory management, conservation of biodiversity and continuous community based monitoring is recommended to minimize the anthropogenic disturbances and restoring the disturbed natural forests.

8 illus, 2 tables, 50 ref

015463   Bhardwaj A;Singh R;Agarwal A K;Singh S (School of Studies in Microbiology, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh) : Comprative efficacy of compost and vericompost on physico chemical characteristics of salt affected soils. Flora Fauna 2007, 13(2), 335-9.

It has been enumerated that organic amendments could be the most suitable material to restore/remediate the unproductive agricultural soils into the fertile productive one. An effort has been made in the present study to use organic compost and vermicompost for the reclamation and management of the salt affected soils of Mathura region. Impact of varying concentrations viz 5%, 10%, 15% ,20% and 25% of Eicchornia biomass compost, banana leaf compost prepared with cow dung and cow urine and a vermicompost were utilized to assess their comparative efficacy in terms of changed physico-chemical attributes. The composted material positively improved the physico-chemical status of the chosen saline soil type. Though the superiority of vermicompost in terms of soil condition improvement over compost was noteworthy. The effectiveness of amendment was found to be in order of Vermicompost <62> Eicchornia compost <62> Banana leaf compost.

4 tables, 12 ref

015462   Benzi P;Bottizzo E;Demaria C;Rizzi N (Dipartimento di Chimica Generale ed Organic Applicata and NIS Centre, University Studi di Torino, Corso Massimo d' Azeglio 48, 10125 Torino) : Metal-organic deposition of YBa₂CU₃O_x and Bi₂Sr₂Ca₁Cu₂O_x films on various substrate from different fluorine metallorganic compounds. J chem Sci 2007, 119(6), 631-5.

YBa₂Cu₃O_x (Y-123 ) and Bi₂Sr₂Ca₁Cu₂O_x (Bi-2212) films on various substrates have been prepared by Metal-Organic Deposition starting from different metallorganic fluorine-free compounds and using a very simple instrumentation. The processing conditions include a rapid pyrolysis step in air and an annealing step in oxygen for Y-123 and in air for Bi-2212. The films obtained have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the formation of a superconducting phase of Y-123 or Bi-2212 was confirmed measuring the critical temperature (T_c) with Ac-susceptibility and resistive measurements. Micro-structure and final cationic ratios have been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).

8 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

015461   Barzegar A;Aminbakhsh M;Hosseinpour Faizi M A;Panahi Y;Azarfam P;Pouladi N;Chaparzadeh N;Moosavi Movahedi A A (Biochem and Biophys Inst, Tehran Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: barzegar@ibb.ut.ac.ir) : Reduction in aggregation of insulin through conformational stabilization by glucose. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(3), 1749-56.

Aggregation of insulin molecule remains a serious obstacle in the development of alternative'methods of diabetes therapy. To reduce the insulin's aggregation process and increase in structural stability, the effects of glucose were studied by UV. fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopy as well as by urea denatur-ation study in phosphate buffer. pH 7.5. The results show a decrease in aggregation of insulin and increase in midpoint of urea denaturation curve in case of incubation with glucose effectively at 3 fold concentrations relative to insulin ([glucose]/[insulin] = 3). Therefore the results indicate that incubation of insulin with glucose improve its physical and structural stability.

4 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

015460   Bakthavatsalam N;Tandon P L;Ballal C R (NO, Project Directorate of Biological Control (ICAR), P.B.No 2491. H.A. Farm Post, Bellary Road, Hebbal, Bangalore-560 024, Email: nbakthavatsalam@yahoo.com) : Behavioural responses of Campoletis chloridaea unchide (Hymenoptera :Lchneumonidae) to kairomonal substances. J ent Res 2007, 31(3), 217-23.

With a view to utilize kairomones for improving the performance of Campoletis chlorideae Uchida, efforts were made to study its response to the kairomones from host insects. Electrophysiological studies of the antenna of this parasitoid revealed its highest response to the 4 and 10 day-old-larval extract of Spodoptera) litura (Fabricius). In wind tunnel experiments, highest response was recorded to the larval extract of S. litura compared to the frass extract of S. litura, and larval and frass extract of H. armigera. Study on response of C. chlorideae to different concentrations of larval wash of S. litura revealed maximum response to 0.3 and 0.7% concentrations. Further, experiments with the 0.7% larval extract recorded significantly, higher parasitization by C. chlorideae on the larvae of S. litura in rearing cages. The GCMS analysis suggested role of compounds like myristic acid and pentacosane for the preference of 4 day- old- larvae of S. litura by C. chlorideae.

1 illus, 6 tables, 26 ref

015459   Almodares A;Taheri R;Adeli S (Biology Dep, College of Science, Isfahan Univ-81846-73441, Email: aalmodares@yahoo.com ) : Inter relationship between growth analysis and carbohydrate contents of sweet sorghum cultivars and lines. J envir Biol 2007, 28(3), 527-31.

The carbohydrate contents of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is an important industrial factor for crystal sugar or bioethanol proouction. In this study the relationship between growth analysis and carbohydrate contents were studied to recognize the best growth stages for sweet sorghum harvesting. Five sweet sorghum cultivars and four sweet sorghum lines were evaluated for leaf area index (LAI), net assimilation rate (NAR), relative growth rate (RGR) and stem crop growth rate (CGR) in relation to sucrose content, invert sugars and total sugar at booting, soft-dough, hard dough and post grain maturity. Except at post grain maturity stage, the correlations among LAI, NAR and RGR for sucrose content and total sugar were positive and for invert sugars were negative. The relationship between invert sugars including glucose, fructose, maltose and xylose at hard dough stage regarding LAI, NAR and GRG were negative. As plant grows LAI, NAR and RGR increases which consequently increases sucroses content and decrease invert sugar.

4 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

014182   Vidya H S;Nagesh M (Project Directorate of Biological Control, , Post Box No.2491, H.A. Farm Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore-560 024, Email: vidyapragu@yahoo.com) : Biochemical and molecular profiling of indigenous Xenorhabdus isolates associated with Steinernema spp.. J biol Control 2007, 21(2), 203-9.

Bacterial symbionts were obtained from entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema carpocapsae, S. riobrave, S. feltiae and S. tami, and identified as belonging to Xenorhabdus species by subjecting to biochemical characterization. The Xenorhabdus isolates were further characterized for their interspecific variation by protein profiling and RFLP analysis of 16S rDNA. The protein profiles recorded discernible differences with protein distribution ranging from 97Kda to 14Kda. but most of the fragments were common to all isolates. RKLP analysis of 16S rDNA of the isolates using eight restriction enzymes showed the distinctness of isolates and based on the restriction enzyme patterns, the isolates were grouped into two clusters. The study showed that a combination of biochemical and molecular techniques could be used tor the identification and characterization of Xenorhabdus isolates.

4 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

014181   Upadhyay R K;Agarwal H C (Zoology Dep, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur-273 009) : Role of lipoproteins in cholestrol trafficking in insects. J appl Biosci 2007, 33(2), 96-110.

Cholesterol absorption, its inhibition and transport in the insects have been explained and how the long chain fatty acids are assimilated through the midgut epithelium, and transported to the flight muscles have been described. Furthennore, due to biosynthesis of lipoproteins in midgut and their secretion in the hemolymph, it has been proved that these proteins associate with cholesterol before their absorption. Explained counterview of this phenomenon as non-protein mediated cholesterol absorption in the mammalian system. However, cholesterol desorps from intracellular pools by alterations in internal pH by a unionized passive diffusion of fatty acids across the plasma membrane. In locusts it has been confirmed that the incorporation of labeled amino acids in hemolymph proteins after adding these amino acids in the diet. In an experiment when midgut portions of insects were incubated in media containing radioactive amino acids, labeled proteins were detected in media suggesting that proteins are synthesized in the midgut. The midgut proteins are known to be involved in the delivery of dietary cholesterol in the hemolymph after its assimilation inside the lumen. Further, the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide that indirectly inhibits intestinal absorption of cholesterol, inhibits protein biosynthesis. Therefore, once the protein synthesis is inhibited it indirectly affects the transfer of cholesterol and its subsequent release into the lumen. The cholesterol release was observed both in vivo and in vitro from the midgut bound to some proteins, which are lipoproteins.

^iia2 illus, 130 ref

014180   Siddiqui A;Shelake B D;Ramdhami U N;Ranjekar M K;Nagoba B S (P.G. Microbiology Dep, Dayanand Science College, Latur, Email: dr_bsnagoba@yahoo.com) : Use of urine as a growth medium for common urinary pathogens. Bionano Front 2008, 1(2), 175-7.

Attempt was made to grow common uninary pathogens such as E. coli, Staph, aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris using urine as urine broth and urine agar. The urine broth and urine agar enabled the recovery of all common uropathogens. A quantitative estimation of number of bacteria in urine broth by pour plate method was carried out at 2, 4, 6, 24 hours. The results showed constant increase in number with increase in the time of incubation period except Klebsiella pneumoniae. Klebsiella pneumoniae showed no growth after 2, 4 and 6 hours, however after 24 hours of incubation uncountable number of Klebsiella pneumoniae were grown. On urine agar, all bacteria showed growth but the size of colonies was small as compared to control except Klebsiella pneumoniae, which formed colonies similar to control. The results indicate that urine as a-broth and agar can be used as alternative medium for the research purpose.

2 tables, 6 ref

014179   Shukla S;Mukhi N;Shinde M;Bakshi H A;Sam S (NO, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal-462 001) : Impact of educational intervention on knowledge regarding sexually transmitted diseases among college students.. Indian J appl Life Sci 2007, 3(2), 17-20.

Study was done among 200 college students, 100 girls and 100 boys of age group of 19-23 years, to evaluate the basic knowledge regarding sexually transmitted disease (STD) and myths regarding sexual physiology. This study marked that about 65% girls and 71% boys were able to define STDs correctly and 26% of girls were unaware to define STDs.This study also analyzed that 42.5% boys and 29% girls believed in myths, and myths were more common among boys.31%girls and 13% boys were completely unaware of any STDs. 39.5% were aware of only AIDS as an STD .31% boys and 27% girls were able to score above 50% before educational intervention. After intervention 68% girls and 64% boys scored in excess of 50%. Thus this study concluded that after an educational intervention there was an increase in basic knowledge from 68% to 89.5% and regarding myths 31.3% students got the right concept after intervention.

7 illus, 8 ref

014178   Sharma S;Vaidya R B (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, 15, Madame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032, Email: snehasharma7@gmail.com) : Isolation and screening of efficient diesel oil and LSHSD degradares. Bionano Front 2008, 1(2), 129-36.

Screening of diesel and low sulfur high speed diesel (LSHSD) degrading microorganisms, isolated from two habitats (petrol pump soil and muck near sea shore), was carried out by selective enrichment technology, which resulted in collection of 11 isolates. Selection of the most efficient diesel and LSHSD degraders amongst isolates, when used as pure culture and as consortia, was based. on Oil overlay technique and assay of dehydrogenase by colorimetric method. Isolates BM1 (obtained from muck), BS2 and BS1 (obtained from soil), were found to be most efficient isolates. Identification of the efficient isolates was done by studying morphological and cultural characteristics, sugar fermentation, enzyme tests, and pigment production. The isolates BM1, BS2 and BS1 were identified as the species of Pseudomonas, Arthrobacter, and Pseudomonas respectively.

4 illus 1 table, 14 ref

014177   Sharma D;Shukla A K (NO, Microbiology Lab, Centre for Biodiversity, Rajiv Gandhi Univ, Rono Hills, Itanagar-791 112, Email: dhrubasharma@rediffmail.com) : The alpha-amylase activity of Streptomyces species SDI. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2007, 26(1-2), 33-42.

The α-amylase activity of Streptomyces Sp. SDI was studied at various levels of temperature, pH and different concentrations of KCI and starch using enzyme extract precipitated with ammonium sulphate and isopropyl alcohol The supernatant of 60h old culture showed highest amylase production at 40°C maintaining pH at 6.8. The precipitated crude enzyme extract showed maximum α-amylase activity at 50øC temperature and pH 7 The optimum KCI and starch concentration for a-amylase activity was found to be 0.5% (5 gl^-1) and 2% (20 g^-1) respectively. The α amylase fraction was visualize at <126>40KD using iodine solution in non denaturing discontinuous gel. Ammonium sulphate precipitated enzyme showed higher activity as compared to isopropyl alcohol. Streptomyces species was found to be thermotolerant, showing maximum activity at 50°C.

4 illus, 1 tables, 30 ref

014176   Saxena O P (Zoology Dep, Govt. Maharaja P.G. Autonomous Collage, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Loss of fecundity and fertility of Aedes aegypti from Lantana camara extract.. Indian J appl Life Sci 2007, 3(2), 21-2.

2 tables, 7 ref

014175   Saraswathy C P;Usharani M V (Environmental Sciences Dep, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore-614 042) : Monitoring of cellular enzymes in the serum of electroplating workers at Coimbatore. J envir Biol 2007, 28(2), 287-90.

Chromium compounds are potent toxic and carcinogenic substances. With respect to toxicity, hepatic and renal toxicity have been reported both in workers and in animals exposed to chromium (VI). Chromium (VI) compounds induces DNA damage in vivo and in cultured cells as well as the cytotoxicity evaluated by the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase. The study reports the cytotoxicity of chrome platers who are employed from 8 to 25 years in electroplating industries at Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. Blood samples were collected and estimated for glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and total protein in the serum. The study revealed that there is a significant elevation in the level of LDH, ALP, CPK and transaminases and a decrease in total protein in serum. The results of the study suggests that chromium (VI), a hepatotoxic chemical may perhaps damage the plasma membrane resulting in leakage of enzymes in to the serum of chromeplaters.

4 tables, 27 ref

014174   Rao A J;Katchi V I;Patil R C (Zoology Dep, Bhavan's College, Andheri (w), Mumbai-400 058) : Screening of plant extracts as an inhibitor of Propionibacterium acnes; overcoming antimicrobial resistance. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2007, 26(1-2), 25-31.

Study was undertaken to screen certain locally available plants, viz. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cimamomum camphora. Aloe vera and Curcuma longa, to investigate the possibility of using them as a remedy for acne. The crude toxins were extracted using methanol, diethyl ether and water. Only aqueous extracts of Aloe and Turmeric were used. 5mg each of Cinnamon sps. was dissolved in 15% DMSO while aloe and turmeric were dissolved in distilled water. They were further diluted up to 10^-1, 10^-2, 10^-3, 10^-4 and tested for antimicrobial activity. The synergistic effects of the extracts in varying proportions were tested. The undiluted extract and 0.5rng/ml of turmeric showed the maximum levels compared to the activity of aloe and cinnamon. The protein values for samples treated at 5X10^-3 mg/ml dilutions of extracts showed the lowest values while at further dilution of 5X10^-4 mg/ml, the values increased. The plant extracts did not show any hemolytic activity at any of the dilutions.

4 tables, 27 ref

014173   Ramdhami U N;Shelake B D;Siddiqui A G; Ranjewar M K;Nagoba B S (P.G. Department of Microbiology, dayanand Science College, Latur-414 531, Email: dr_bsnagoba@yahoo.com) : Antifungal activity of pyocyanin pigment. Bionano Front 2007, 1(1), 82-5.

Attempt has been made to study the effect of pyocyanin pigment using two different concentrations against fungi commonly associated with soil and human infections. P. aeruginosa isolated in pure culture from pus was used for production of pyocyanin pigment in King's A broth. The presence of pyocyanin was confirmed by development of bluish green colour and also by spectrophotometric studies. Effect of extracte ocyanin in two different dilutions and crude pyocyanin was studied against Aspergillus oryzae, A. niger, Mucor sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp. and Candicja albicans by well method and turbidometry method. Pyocyanin at higher concentration showed inhibitory effects against all fungi. Crude pyocyanin preparation was also found effective against most fungi except Fusarium sp. Higher concentration of pyocyanin showed better activity than crude preparation, however lower concentration showed no activity except against C. albicans. The results indicate that pyocyanin has antifungal activity as well.

2 tables, 10 ref

014172   Rajput S S;Soni K K;Sharma V I;Saxena R C (NO, Bipin Bihari P.G College, Jhansi, U.P.) : Histopathological study of Achyranthes aspera ethanolic extract in albino rats for wound healing activities.. Indian J appl Life Sci 2007, 3(2), 8-9.

The extract isolated from Achyranthes aspera was evaluated for its wound healing activity in ether-anaesthetized Wistar albino rats at two different doses (400 and 500 mg./kg.) using incision, excision and dead space wound model. Histopathological results supported effectiveness of extract of Achyranthes aspera and from the result it is quite apparent that ethanolic extract exhibit comparatively better wound healing i.e. 93.9+ 1.3 as compared to control that is 90.9+ 2. 3 on day 16th after the treatment.

2 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

014171   Rabindra Kumar;Ajay Kumar (Genetics and Molecular Biology Lab, Zoology Dep, Feroze Gandhi College, Raebareli-229 001, Email: ajaikumar_rbl2002@yahoo.com) : Preference to different fruit baits in natural environment of Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae). J appl Biosci 2007, 33(2), 156-60.

Preference to different fruit baits in natural environment of Drosophila from The Dang forest of Gujarat state in India was studied. Ten locally available fruits were used as bait. Two baits, attracting least number of flies at each step, were eliminated and thus only two fruits were left in the end. Flies were captured, counted, analyzed taxonomically and grouped in three categories, viz. montium, bipectinata remaining other species complex. Chi-square analysis was done to revea1level of significance. Pattern of preference and its ecogenetic and other possible causes have been discussed.

1 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

014170   Prakash R (Biochemistry and Genetics Dep, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak-124 001) : Molecular pathology of single gene disorders in man. J appl Biosci 2007, 33(2), 89-95.

Due to recent developments in molecular biology, a diversity of molecular lesions are found for most single gene disorders. Analysis of loss of function and gain of function mutations, in particular genetic diseases, have revolutionized clinical genetic studies. Understanding the molecular basis of length mutations (frameshifts, insertions, deletions and trinucleotide repeat expansions), point mutations adjacent to the intron / exon boundaries which interfere splicing are essential for modem molecular medicine. The diagnosis of genetic disorders was earlier based on imaging and biopsy of affected tissue. Molecular pathology is now rapidly transforming the medical practice of genetic disorders and has an impact on medical decision-making.

^iia32 ref

014169   Patale S S;Mukadam D S (Botany, Dep, S.K. Gandhi College, Kada Tq. Ashti Dist. Beed-414 202) : Fungicide resistance in Trichoderma species. Bionano Front 2007, 1(1), 78-81.

Five fungicide (100 to 1 OOOppm) viz. Bavistin ( Carbendaziam) 50% WP, Dithane-ªM45, Blitox-50 W, Thiram-75 WS and Copperoxychloride -50 WP were tested against Trichoderma species viz T. viride,T. harzianum, T. hamatum, Trichoderma local1 ( T₁) and Trichoderma local₂ (T₂) to know their effect on mycelial growth and sporulation of the fungus Bavistin and Thiram were found to be highly inhibitory for the growth and sporulation of Trichoderma species, while for Dithane, Blitox and Copperoxchloride the fungi developed resistance therefore at higher concentrations only the inhibitory effect was observed.

2 tables, 13 ref

014168   Paramasivam S;Thangaradjou T;Kannan L (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai-608 502) : Effect of natural preservatives on the growth of histamine producing bacteria. J envir Biol 2007, 28(2), 271-4.

Deals with the hampering of the growth of histamine producing bacteria (HPB), by using NaCl and spices which are easily available and cheaper cost wise. For this experiment, four strains of HPB viz. Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis were tested against 1 to 10% concentrations of NaCl and 1 to 5% concentrations of natural preservatives (turmeric, ginger and garlic) in a basal medium. HPB showed different growth rates at different concentrations of NaCl and natural preservatives. V. parahaemolyticus, B. cereus and Ps. aeruginosa showed no growth at 10% concentration. When the HPB growth was tested with garlic, turmeric and ginger extracts, growth of all the bacteria was inhibited by garlic and turmeric extracts at 5% concentration. In ginger, V. parahaemolyticus, B. cereus and P. mirabilis were totally inhibited at 5% concentration. But Ps. aeruginosa showed very less growth at this concentration.

4 illus, 14 ref

014167   Pande M S;Pathak A K (Pharmacy Dep, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal-462 026) : An overview of Mimosa pudica (lajvanti) chemistry and pharmacological profile. Indian J appl Life Sci 2007, 3(2), 13-14.

Mimosa pudica (Lajvanti) is used widely in Ayurvedic medicine. An attempt has been made to provide up date references that are categorized on the basis of phytochemical and pharmacological basis.

18 ref

014166   Pande M;Paliwal A;Joshi A;Pathak A K (Pharmacy Dep, Barkatullah Univ, Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal) : Herbal hair formulation based on seasame oil using cloth pouch production technique. Indian J appl Life Sci 2007, 3(2), 23-5.

A hair formulation of different crude drugs in form of oil and various concentrations were studied for hair growth activity. Each drug was tested for their hair growth activity in a concentration range for 1-10% separately. Formulations were prepared in varying concentration in the form of herbal hair oil by cloth pouch oils preparation technique. The sesame oil double refined is used as base for this study. The formulation containing 7.5% of each drug used for the study and showed excellent hair growth activity with standard (2% minoxidil ethanolic solution) by an enlargement of follicular size and prolongation of the anagen phase. It holds the promise of potent herbal alternative for minoxidil.

4 tables, 14 ref

014165   Mahale D P;Khade R G (Microbiology Dep, The Institute of Science, 12, Madame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032, Email: durgesh@much@yahoo.co.in) : Microbiological evaluation of street vended vegetable and fruit juices from Mumbai city, India. Bionano Front 2008, 1(2), 140-4.

Fresh squeezed juices of watermelon, carrot and pineapple sold by street vendors in Mumbai city were analyzed for their microbial contents during the rainy season (June 2007 to September 2007). The total viable counts of all 30 samples were approximately log 8.17 cfu/100ml with significant load of coliforms, faecal coliforms, Vibrio and Staphylococcal counts. Qualitative counts showed the presence of coagulase positive S.aureus in 6 samples of watermelon and 2 samples of carrot. Almost 70% of the ice samples collected from street vendors showed high microbial load ranging from log 5-8.5. Our results demonstrate the non hygienic quality of three most popular types of street vended fruit and vegetable juices and ice used for cooling of juices suggesting the urgent need.for government participation in developing suitable intervention measures to improve microbial quality of juices.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

014164   Kumar Sunil;Singh N (CRAPTC, New Campus, CCS HAU, Hissar-135 001) : An efficient in vitro mass propagation of a medicinally important plant Stevia rebaudiana bertoni via nodal. Eco Res J Biosci 2007, 6(1-2), 53-8.

A rapid clonal propagation system has been developed for medicinally important plant species Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni under in vitro conditions. Nodal explants from mature plant of Stevia were taken and cultured after surface sterilization. Multiple shoots induced on Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with various concentration of Auxins (2,4-D, NAA, IAA) and Cytokinins (BAP, Kn). Maximum number of shoots (2.1) were developed on MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg/1 BAP. The in vitro raised shoots (<62>5.5cm long) were excised and transferred on half strength MS medium fortified with 1.0 mg/1 IBA in an attempt to produce roots. The rooted shoots were successfully acclimatized in pots containing sterilized soil and sand mixture (1:1). After four weeks of implantation, the plantlets were finally transferred to field conditions. Seventy five per cent of them survived.

6 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

014163   Kaushik A;Pathak A K;Chauhan P;Garud A (NO, Institute of Professional Studies, Shivpuri Link Road, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh) : Hepatoprotective activity of Momordica cochinchinensis. Indian J appl Life Sci 2007, 3(2), 10-12.

The liver is an organ of utmost importance, which plays a vital role in the metabolism of drugs entering the body. A variety of drugs and plant extracts were evaluated for their Hepatoprotective activity. Momordica cochinchinensis has proven anti-oxidant property. Different extracts of fruit of Momordica cochinchinensis were tested for Hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The methanolic extract has found significant Hepatoprotective activity by virtue of lowering the marker enzymes like AST, ALT, γGT, ALP, ACP and LDH.

6 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

014162   Kadam V B (P.G. Botany Dep and Research Centre, Diogiri College, Aurangabad-431 005, Email: prajwalkadam@rediffmail.com) : Bio-chemical evaluation of three endangered medicinal taxa of south Gujarat forests. Bionano Front 2008, 1(2), 159-60.

The seasonal variation of proteins and amino acids have. been investigated in leaf, bark and wood of Semecarpus anacardium, Mallotus phillippensis and Pterocarpus marsupium, thich are medicinally important and extremely rare in South Gujarat Forest. Comparative account of protein content of bark of three tree species revealed that Pterocarpus marsupium were rich in protein. Amino acids content of leaves of three tree species revealed that Semecarpus anacardium and Mallotus philippensis showed higher level of (range 3.09 - 4.67 mg/g dry wt.) amino acid.

1 table, 5 ref

014161   Gangawane L V;Kanade S (Soil Microbiology and Pesticides Lab, Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 004) : Degradation of malathion by PGPR microbes. Bionano Front 2008, 1(2), 167-9.

Abstract: Plant growth promoting (PGPR) Rhizobacteria are important organisms in the rhizosphere and soil of a crop plant to promote the growth in various ways. They support seed germination, increase plant growth, produce nodules on legumes, enhance nitrogen fixation and manage crop diseases and pests. Organophosphate insecticides like melathion are cecommended to manage various pests of different crops. PGPR bacteria like Rhizobium sp., Bacillus polymixa, Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum lipoferum and Pseudomonas fluorescens were used to degrade Malathion. These organisms degraded Malation with the help of enzymes phosphatase and carboxyesterase. The degraded products were melathion dicarboxylic acid, 0, 0 - dimethy phosphorothioate and 0, 0 diethyl phosphorodithioate.

2 tables, 7 ref

014160   Chaturvedi P;Vashistha B D (Biological Sciences Dep, G.B. Pant University & Technology, Pant Nagar-263 145) : In vitro responses of the moss Brachymenium bryoides to heavy metals. Eco Res J Biosci 2007, 6(1-2), 01-09.

Investigations were conducted to study the effects of various heavy metals on different development phases of bryophytes. For this purpose a, a moss Brachymenium bryoides Hook, ex Schwaegr. (Bryaceae) was cultured on Nitsch's basal medium supplemented with various salts of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn & Hg) in the concentration range 10^-8 - 10^-4 M. Salts of cadmium (cadmium acetate, cadmium chloride, cadmium nitrate, cadmium sulphate), lead (lead acetate, lead nitrate), and mercuric chloride caused retardation of protonemal growth. Cupric sulphate and zinc sulphate slightly stimulatory for protonemal growth at lower levels, but had no appreciable effect on bud formation. Morphology of protonema was adversely affected at highter concentrations of heavy metals. Swelling of tip cells, rounding of intercalary cells, irregular divisions and branching of protonema were frequent. Present studies suggest that Brachymenium bryoides can be used as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution as it shows distinct morphological changes in protonemal strucutre.

2 illus, 31 ref

014159   Behravan J;Ramezani M;Hassanzadeh M K;Ebadi S (Biotechnology Lab, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research Centers, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, Email: behravanj@yahoo.com) : Evluation of antibacterial activity of the essential oils of Zataria multiflora, Carum copticum and Thymus vulgaris by a thin layer chromatography-bioautography method. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2007, 10(3), 259-64.

Bioautography is a method to localize antimicrobial activity on a chromatogram. A modified agar overlay bioautographic method was used to investigate the antibacterial activities of essential oils of Zataria multiflora, Carum copticum and Thymus vulgaris. The essential oils of all the plants exhibited activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli at R_F <126> 0.4 which represented the Rf for thymol and carvacrol in petroleum ether chloroform (50:50 as solvent system). Twenty two components were identified in the essential oil of Carum copticum. The main compounds consisted of thymol (71.07%), terpinolene (13.08%) and cymene (10.20%). It could be concluded that the observed antibacterial activity was mainly due to the presence of thymol and carvacrol in the essential oils.

2 illus, 1 table

014158   Baljeet Singh;Saharan Singh B;Mittal R K (Microbiology Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra-136 119) : Studies on biogas production from cattle waste using different inoculum sources. Eco Res J Biosci 2007, 6(1-2), 15-7.

Inocula from various sources were tested for their efficiency to initiate gas production. For starting a new cattle waste digester and for better degradation of cattle waste, the most efficient inoculum source was from stabilized cattle waste digester and from the sewerage. Soil and rumen fluid could also be used as inoculum to start the new digesters.

3 tables, 6 ref

014157   Arun Sam Lal A;Balakrishna Murthy P;Sadasivan Pillai K (NO, R.C.C. Laboratories India Pvt. Ltd., Genome Valley, Shameerpet, Hyderabad-500 078, Email: arthur.arun@rccltd.in) : Screening of hepatoprotective effect of herbal mixture against CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. J envir Biol 2007, 28(2), 201-7.

Hepatoprotective potential of a herbal mixture was evaluated against CCl₄ induced liver injury in Swiss albino mice. Liv 52, a commercially available polyherbal hepatoprotective drug was evaluated for comparison. The potential toxicity of the above herbal hepatoprotective agents was also compared. It was observed that there was a reduction in the enzyme biomarkers (Aspartate and Alanine Transaminase) of liver injury in the herbal mixture treated groups, which was similar to the reduction initiated by Liv 52. An increase in glutathione was observed in the herbal mixture treated groups and it was assumed that the herbal mixture protects the liver by virtue of its antioxidant nature along with high regeneration initiation potential. From the study it is also concluded that the herbal mixture is safer than Liv 52.

2 tables, 47 ref

014156   Altun M;Unal M;Kocagoz T;Goren A C (Faculty of Engineering, Chemistry Dep, Istanbul University, 34320, Avcilar-Istanbul, Turkey, Email: ahmetceyhan.goren@ume.tubitak.gov.tr) : Essential oil compositions and antimicrobial activity of Salvia species. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2007, 10(3), 251-8.

Essential oil compositions of aerial parts of Salvia macroclamys, S. verticillata ssp. amasiaca, S. virgata, S. multicaulis, S. firigida, S. microstegia and S. kronenburgii were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Their main constituents were found to be α-pinene, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, thymol, and caryophyllene oxide. Essential oil of S. multicaulis, S. kronenburgii, S. verticillata and the pure compounds α-pinene, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool oxide and caryophyllene oxide were tested against E. coli, S. aureus, K. pneumonia, and the yeast C.albicans.

21 ref

014155   Agrawal M K;Verma A K;Dwevedi S;Saify T (Microbiology Div, Botany Dep, Sant Mary's P.g. College, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh) : The antibacterial activity of the extracts of Lantana camara leaves against the skin disease causing bacteria.. Indian J appl Life Sci 2007, 3(2), 15-16.

Reports the antibacterial activity of Lantana camara leaves extract against Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus St. The results of the study clearly indicate the inhibition of microbial population in the disc. The results revealed that petroleum ether and ethanolic extract possess potent inhibitory activity. The antibacterial activity therefore learly that these natural products of plant origin may minimize the resistant to the antibiotic.

3 tables, 5 ref

013144   Yassin A;Youssef A Y A;Mathe B B;Capy P;David J R (Departmento de Genetica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Email: yassin@legs.cnrs-gif.fr) : Mesoternal bristle number in a cosmopoliant drosophilid; an x-linked variable trait independent of sternopleural bristles. J Genet 2007, 86(2), 149-58.

Mesosternal (MS) bristles in Drosophila are a pair of machrochaetae found a( the sternal end of the sternopleural (STP) microchaetae, and are thought to be invariable. In a closely related drosophilid genus, Zaprionus. their number is four and. in contrast to Drosophila, they show interspecific and intraspecific variability. The genetic basis of MS bristle number variability was studied in Z. indianus, the only cosmopolitan species of the genus. The trait responded rapidly to selection and two lines were obtained, one lacking any bristles (0-0) and the other bearing the normal phenotype (2-2). Other symmetrical phenotypes, (1-1) and (3-3), could also be selected for, but with lesser success. By contrast, STP bristle number did not vary significantly between the two lines (0-0) and (2-2), revealing its genetic independence from MS bristle number. Reciprocal crosses between these two lines showed that MS bristle number is mainly influenced by a major gene on the X chromosome (i.e. F₁ males always resembled their mothers) with codominant expression (i.e. heterozygous F₁ females harboured an average phenotype of 2 bristles). However, trait penetrance was incomplete and backcrosses revealed that this variability was partly due to genetic modifiers, most likely autosomal. The canalization of MS bristle number was investigated under different temperatures, and the increased appearance of abnormal phenotypes mainly occurred at extreme temperatures. There was a bias, however, towards bristle loss, as shown by a liability (developmental map) analysis. Finally, when ancestral and introduced populations were compared, the latter were far less stable, suggesting that genetic bottlenecks may perturb the MS bristle number canalization system. MS bristle number, thus, appears to be an excellent model for investigating developmental canalization at both the quantitative and the molecular level.

7 illus, 2 tables, 55 ref

013143   Wingender E;Crass T;Hogan J D;Kel A E;Kel Margoulis O V;Potapov A P (NO, BIOBASE GmbH, Halchtersche Str. 33, D-38304 Wolfenbuttel, Germany, Email: e.wingender@med.uni-goettingen.de ) : Integrative content-driven concepts for bioinformatics "beyond the cell". J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(1), 169-80.

Bioinformatics has delivered great contributions to genome and genomics research, without which the world-wide success of this and other global (`omics') approaches would not have been possible. More recently, it has developed further towards the analysis of different kinds of networks thus laying the foundation for comprehensive description, analysis and manipulation of whole living systems in modern "systems biology". The next step which is necessary for developing a systems biology that deals with systemic phenomena is to expand the existing and develop new methodologies that are appropriate to characterize intercellular processes and interactions without omitting the causal underlying molecular mechanisms. Modelling the processes on the different levels of complexity involved requires a comprehensive integration of information on gene regulatory events, signal transduction pathways, protein interaction and metabolic networks as well as cellular functions in the respective tissues / organs.

5 illus, 1 table, 44 ref